It’s in the place I grew up in – Basildon – and it’s me and my sister. We had a barrow load of sand and we tipped it accidentally over someone’s lawn and the man was shouting at me. It’s hazy but that’s my earliest memory.

Where is your favourite place in Essex, and why?

I like Leigh-on-Sea. I’ve got lots of friends who live there now and I like all the pubs and restaurants, especially those by the front on old Leigh.

Speaking of family, what’s it been like for your children having a famous dad?

They’re just normal. They’ve always been used to it. From when they were babies they were used to being in concert halls and travelling around.

How do they feel about you still performing?

They love it. My daughter and son they are older now and work, so they only have a particular number of holidays, but they come when they can.

What is your favourite Essex story or memory?

Just really growing up in Basildon, playing football in the fields and running in the woods. I don’t think any of the woods have survived. Do you know over 40 years ago I used to deliver the Evening Echo? When I was 18.

So from Echo paperboy to top international rock star hey?

You’ve got to think if I can do it anyone can!

When are you at your happiest?

When Chelsea win a football match!

What are you working on now?

Well we’ve released our new album [Spirit] and now we’ve got a big tour lined up, all over the world. We’ve been locked in a recording studio for most of last year, so it’s good to get out, tread the boards again. People can expect a great show.

Do you have a secret vice?

Yeah I smoke. I’m not telling how many a day. My mum might read it – it’s a secret you see! Well, it was...

What is something people might not know about you?

I’m not sure there’s anything...

I’ve heard you’re a pretty good chess player, is that true?

How do you know that?! I didn’t think anyone really knew about that!

Yeah, I play online chess. I’ve got a pretty good rating, I suppose. It’s good for when you’re travelling.

If you could only live in one place in Essex where would it be?

I’ll say Basildon. I have soft spot for the old Basildon - how it used to be, not so much how it is now. I think a lot has changed since I grew up there.

Who do most admire and why?

Er. I don’t know. Oh actually. Tom Watson.

Who?

You know. The deputy leader of the Labour Party. Why? Well I actually only met him the other day and he was a nice guy. A nice geezer. He was more of a geezer. A really nice geezer.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you and who was it?

Er. I just can’t think straight. I can’t think of anything. I can’t answer everything!

What one thing has your mum or dad taught you that you still live by now?

Good manners I suppose. You can put that.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

I’m sort of hoping it won’t be different to what I’m doing now!

Do you and the guys still get along?

Yes, we’re still good buddies. One of the great things about Depeche Mode is that we all came from the same town, we’ve got the same friends, we’ve got the same sense of humour. I think that’s helped us to stay together.

How have things changed since you started out in 1980?

The way records are sold has definitely changed, but I think as an artist the way you make music is still the same. It’s harder for bands at the moment, because regular record sales are quite low. Downloads, obviously you don’t get any money from that. But still think that bands should try. There’s still space up there with the biggest bands.

Would you change anything?

No. It’s been a dream come true.

Basildon export - Fletch is one third of band Depeche Mode Picture: Anton Corbijn

depe

Depeche Mode "Spirit" 2017

05.05.2017, 18:24

Country:

Interview with Dave Gahan in a Danish "Gaffa".

depe

Depeche Mode "Spirit" 2017

05.05.2017, 18:59

Country:

Depeche Mode - Interview with Dave Gahan

Depeche Mode - Interview with Dave Gahan. 2017

“We’re really kind of upset about what’s going on in the world,” says Dave Gahan at the start of our interview. Depeche Mode’s singer stopped by to discuss his iconic band’s new album, ‘Spirit,’ a record with political overtones and a thoughtful character that reminds listeners of the self-determination we all share. Regarding the title, Gahan says “we all have a consciousness, and anytime we want we can stop and choose to feel what’s really going on there. We all know when something’s not right.”

Depeche Mode introduced itself to the world in 1981 with the catchy synth-pop of ‘Speak & Spell.’ Martin Gore’s writing well matched Gahan’s sensual vocals, and beloved records such as ‘Construction Time Again’ and ‘Violator,” made them one the era’s biggest acts. ‘Spirit’ is Depeche Mode’s 14th album, and their video for “Where’s the Revolution” was directed by their longtime collaborator, Anton Corbijn. Interviewer Joseph Patel asks the singer about his relationship with the famed photographer, who Gahan deems a fifth member of the band.

“He understood that our music needed a visual, and it wasn’t necessarily us,” responds the 54-year-old native of Essex, England, “it was his photography, his imagery, it was landscapes. A video like ‘Enjoy the Silence’ is just beautiful photography. It’s unique and it still stands up today. The concepts he comes up with [can be baffling]…but we’ve learned to trust him.”

Watch the full Vevo interview, where Gahan touches on growing up in council estates (public housing) east of London, the point in his life when “I wasn’t sure if I was going to reach 35,” and his ongoing work with Gore and the band.

k.eroyants

Depeche Mode "Spirit" 2017

28.05.2017, 19:49

Country:

Друзья, когда ожидать второй сингл?

"Where's the Second Single?Where's the B-Side?Come on depeche you're letting me down."

depe

Depeche Mode "Spirit" 2017

28.05.2017, 19:58

Country:

k.eroyants wrote:

Друзья, когда ожидать второй сингл?

"Where's the Second Single?Where's the B-Side?Come on depeche you're letting me down."